FAQ for Tradesmen

Am I allowed to touch or remove asbestos?

You are only allowed to remove asbestos if you have undertaken and passed the ‘Non Licensed Asbestos Removal’ training. Please don’t mix this up your Asbestos Awareness course, as they are totally different.

The non-licensed training allows you to remove low risk items such as asbestos cement, floor tiles, cisterns, etc., however you would still need to undergo face fit testing and hold a Hazardous Waste Transportation license should you wish to move it. If you are unsure about anything, don’t start removing it until you have contacted us and made sure that you are safe to do so.

What should I do if I suspect a commercial property I’m working in contains asbestos?

Any building built before the year 2000 should have an asbestos report to show the location of asbestos containing materials. They should also have a separate refurbishment asbestos report which will have been carried out on the area that you are working in. The refurbishment survey is to show any hidden asbestos that you may disturb during works. If these are not already supplied, ask for them.

If one has not been carried out then you should stop works and explain to the client that it is illegal to proceed. This may cause some issues however the legislation is there to protect both you and the occupants of the building.

What should I do if I suspect a domestic house I’m working in contains asbestos?

If the house has a landlord, then an asbestos survey should have been carried out prior to any refurbishment works. Many people do not realise that a rented home becomes a place of work and Health & Safety legislation applies.

In a private home, there is no requirement for an asbestos survey however if you believe the material you are about to disturb may contain asbestos, then stop what you are doing and give us a call. We will check the material and provide you with certification. This can be done from £50 and on the same day.

Can I work in a building that contains asbestos?

Yes, so long as you have completed Asbestos Awareness Training and are not going to disturb the asbestos containing materials.

Is asbestos training required for tradesmen?

Yes. The current regulations require mandatory Asbestos Awareness training for anyone liable to be exposed to asbestos fibres at work. This includes maintenance workers and other tradesman who may come into contact with or who may disturb asbestos within the property

I think the material I’m about to disturb contains asbestos. What should I do?

Give us a call and one of our operatives will come out and take a sample. We will then analyse the material and provide you with a certificate showing if it is asbestos free of the type and concentration of asbestos found within it.

How is asbestos harmful to my health?

The fibres are so small that when disturbed your lungs cannot protect against them. The fibres become lodge din your neck, stomach and clings causing long term damage such as cancer & tumours.

How many tradesman dies from asbestos related diseases?

On average, 20 tradesmen in the UK die from asbestos exposure per week. Sadly, this is likely to double by 2020.